You do not have to be as big as Microsoft and Virgin Atlantic to get your company involved in Corporate Social Responsibility and initiatives such as Philanthropic Travel and Volunteering. ‘Corporate social responsibility is about understanding your business’ impact on the wider world and considering how you can use this impact in a positive way. Corporate Social Responsibility can also be good for your bottom line’.

For the past six years we have been involved with a number of corporates who have supported The Butterfly Tree. Cunninghams fund a feeding programme for 350 orphaned and vulnerable children, while Gardiff donated funds to build a pre-school at Mukuni in addition to supporting three teaching staff. One such initiative, which is hugely successful is that of Saga, who support a community based project in every one of their travel destinations, they also challenge their employees to participate in annual fundraising events as well as engaging their travellers.

Borders’ shelter donated by Saga employees

Last year we were selected out of hundreds of charities working in Africa, by ENRC Marketing, as the one with the best proven record of transparency. They have a huge CSR program with beneficiaries all over the world. After a business incentive trip to Mukuni Village both Brady Italia and Canon Australia have provided continued support to the charity. Other corporates have sponsored some of our fundraising events such as our team participating in CyclothonUK. You can enter your own cycling team in this challenge for 2012, which takes part at Brands Hatch on 13th September, while raising funds for The Butterfly Tree.

Feeding program at Mukuni Village sponsored by Cunninghams

There are several ways to have a Social Corporate Responsibility programme and partner with The Butterfly Tree, it could be with a single donation or an on going project. We involve our donors in decision making so that they can select a project they like and then receive regular feedback. A donation does not necessarily have to come directly from the corporate’s profits, it can be done through engaging their clients, customers and employees. Forming a lasting partnership can be beneficial for all parties concerned. Mukuni Village Incorporated (Australia), Black and White Accounting and Dative Studios each generously sponsor orphans. This lifts their company profile and provides much needed support to vulnerable children such as those in Zambia.

We are seeking corporate sponsorship to build more classrooms, teacher’s houses, bore holes, community houses and for the orphan sponsorship program. Your support could make a huge difference to a local community who need only the essentials in life – WATER FOOD HEALTH and EDUCATION. For more information contact jane@thebutterflytree.org.uk